Outside of the forbidden forest. People in the town noticed that the black fog that had been covering the forest for many years was clearing itself.
Male one, "What is going?"
Male two, "The sacrifices works. The two-headed dragon is satisfies with our offering."
Female one, "Thank heaven. Now we can be at peace again."
The priest and his followers knelt and bowed to the sky. When they looked up, they saw three people walking towards them.
The two women shouted loudly: "They must be gods."
The priest and his followers bowed three times again.
When the believers knelt and the three people got closer, the kneeling believers realized that these three people were not gods. This is what they offer to the two-headed dragon. Their mouths opened. Everyone is questioning how they are still alive.
Guo Longtong ran towards the three friends, "Baiyu..." After him were his three best friends.
Boss Xiong saw Ping'an and Xiong Grandma. He also rushed towards them, followed by Boss Xiong is Xiong Lifeng and madam Xiong. Even due to his face injured, Boss Xiong somehow reached the three friends first.
Boss Xiong shouted, "Mother... Mother." He rushed to his mother who was held by Guo Baiyu. "Let my mother down."
When the others arrived, Guo Baiyu gently placed Grandma Xiong on the ground.
Guo Longtong hugged GuoBaiyu and cried and said, "Baiyu...I thought you were dead. I can't believe you are still alive. This is due to the protection of our ancestors." He sniffed and wiped his tears.
Zhao Renshu's health continued to deteriorate, but he still smiled and said, "Told you so, we will be the first to come out alive."
Boss Xiong shook Xiong Grandma, "Mother.... Please wake up. I am so sorry." He cried then he looked up at Ping'an. He stood up and raised his hand to hit her, but his hand was stopped by the weak Zhao Renshu, who pushed Boss Xiong's hand away.
Guo Baiyu stood next to Zhao Renshu.
Boss Xiong shouted angrily, "You.... You murderer! When you were born, you killed my beloved wife. Now because of you..." He pointed his finger at Ping'an. "You are the cause of the death of my beloved mother. I curse you! I curse you to die a terrible death!"
The weak Zhao Renshu breathed heavily, "If I hear another word out of your mouth insulting her again. I will curse you so that you can never speak again." He coughed several times.
Boss Xiong, "From now on, you and I are strangers. You can't attend my mother's funeral." He picked up Xiong Grandma and started walking away.
Ping'an uttered softly, "We have always been stranger. Goodbye, Boss Xiong."
Boss Xiong carried Xiong Grandma and followed behind is madam Xiong and Xiong Lifeng. The Xiong family despaired into the gathered town people.
Zhao Renshu whispered, "Baiyu...I'm going to faint...I need you to carry me now." Then he black out. He heard Gou Baiyu and Ping'an calling his name, but he was too weak to respond. Their voices sound so far away. Then everything went black.
Zhao Renshu found himself standing in front of a very large tree house. He slowly climbed the steps to the door, then pushed the door open. He saw a beautiful woman sitting in front of the mirror combing her hair. She turned around and said, "You are here. Help me comb my hair."
Zhao Renshu woke up in and smelled a strong smell of medicine. He opened his eyes and saw Guo Baiyu sitting at the table reading a book.
Zhou Renshu was relieved. He softly murmured, "It is only a dream."
Guo Baiyu also noticed that Zhao Renshu was awakened. He put down his book and walked to the bed.
Guo Baiyu, "How are you?"
Zhao Renshu, "What is this place?"
Guo Baiyu, "The Gou resident."
Zhao Renshu, "Ping'an?"
Guo Baiyu, "She is getting your meal."
Zhao Renshu frowned, "Why don't I smell food, instead of this bitter medicine?" He complained. "I want food. I'm hungry."
Guo Baiyu, "Don't complain too much. The food is on the way." He felt Zhao Renshu's pluses. "You seem fine."
Zhao Renshu, "I have told you that sealing a portal requires a lot of spiritual energy. I am weak from spending too much spiritual energy. I just need food to boost up my energy. You should worry about your arm."
Guo Baiyu, "It's fine. I don't consider myself as a doctor, but I have studied medicine for many years. I can treat my own wounds."
Zhao Renshu mocked, "Wow... The young master of Gou family is very talented. He is good at almost everything."
Guo Baiyu, "With that attitude, you must be out of danger."
Ping'an walked in with a tray of food.
Zhao Renshu was very happy to see Ping'an and the delicious food. He jumped out of bed. He took two steps toward the table and fell. Fortunately, Guo Baiyu caught him before he fell.
Zhao Renshu, "I didn't realize that I was so weak."
Guo Baiyu, "You passed out for two days."
Zhao Renshu, "What?"
Guo Baiyu, "You transfer some of your spiritual energy to Xiong Grandma and used all of your spiritual energy to sealed the portal. This is why you are so weak."
Guo Baiyu helped Zhao Renshu to the table, and the three friends began to eat their meal.
Zhao Renshu, "Ping'an, do you remember what we talk about back in the temple?"
Ping'an, "Yes."
Zhao Renshu, "Now, would you like to go with me?"
Guo Baiyu looked at Zhao Renshu then at Ping'an.
Guo Baiyu, "What about what I offer you? Will you be willing to go with me?"
Zhao Renshu, "Hey..." He slammed his chopsticks on the table. "That's unfair. I was unconscious, remember what we agree on?"
Ping'an, "Regard of both of your offers. I haven't decided yet."
Zhao Renshu, "Fine... at least visit my place. You might like it. Also, I haven't been home for many years."
Ping'an, "Okay. I have no attachment here anymore."
Zhao Renshu looked at Gou Baiyu, "You, before I fully recover, you need to protect me. You promise." He winks at Guo Baiyu.
Guo Baiyu, "When will you leave?"
Zhao Renshu, "The sooner the better." He smiled. "How about tomorrow?"
Guo Baiyu, "How about the day after tomorrow?"
Zhao Renshu, "Why?"
Guo Baiyu, "We need to prepare and hire a carriage driver. Your two silver ingots will not be enough to buy yourself a carriage and a horses."
Zhao Renshu frowned, "Fine. Mister the Master of all preparations."
The three friends laughed and enjoyed their dinner at the table.
Two days later, Gou Longtong and his friends sent Guo Baiyu, Zhao Renshu, and Ping'an.
Guo Longtong, "Baiyu.... When are you coming back again?"
Guo Baiyu, "Might not be until the spring or summer."
Lee Dachin, "Childe Gou good luck on your journey home. I really wish you could stay for the Lantern Festival."
Guo Baiyu, "There will always be next time."
Lee Dachin handed GuoBaiyu a bag, "I made some snacks for the three of you. If you are hungry, you guy can eat it."
Guo Baiyu, "Thank you Childe Lee."
Zhao Renshu shouted, "It's time to go. We may not go to the next town before sunset."
The friends and family bid farewell.
Guo Baiyu walked into the carriage, and four friends waved to them.
The three friends in the carriage sat on the wooden bench.
Zhao Renshu complained, "Now I understand why they say it is easier to capture a spirit than scholars saying goodbye."
Guo Baiyu rolled his eyes at Zhao Renshu.
Zhao Renshu complained, "It only takes a few minutes to say goodbye, but you took almost two hours. Unbelievable."
Guo Baiyu ignored Zhao Renshu, "How are you feeling?" He turned to Ping'an.
Ping'an, "I have said goodbye. I am not sad anymore. I think this place makes me sad because there are so many unpleasant memories."
Zhao Renshu stretched out his hand and gently pinched Ping'an's right cheek, "That's the spirit". He smiled. "We will never set foot in this stupid, brainless town again."
Guo Baiyu, "I can't do that. I have family here."
Zhao Renshu, "Then you will visit this town alone. Don't bother inviting us, because we will not be coming with you."
When Guo Baiyu shook his head, Ping'an and Zhao Renshu smiled at him.